Reviews

We Were Once a Family: A Story of Love, Death, and Child Removal in America by Roxanna Asgarian

Only show reviews with written explanations

ostarkweather's review against another edition

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informative medium-paced

4.25

crayzikat's review against another edition

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challenging emotional sad medium-paced

4.0

This was a tough one to listen to, of course. I either missed it at the beginning or it wasn't said, but I the author had a past that included some difficult family situations, so she could sympathize, if not empathize, with the children who we so abused in this situation. Everything was very well researched. The author comes up with some recommendations for change that may or may not work. It's a terribly complicated issue and certainly needs change, but I can't believe every foster care family or every institution is a problem. It's hard. It seems like there were several times the children in this foster family could have gotten help or could have been placed with relatives, but that never happened. It's sad and I know there's no easy answer.

kieraisreading's review

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informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

This book was an amazing mix between true crime and journalism. I first heard of the Hart family story in Isabel Wilkerson's Caste and was intrigued to learn more about the tragedy.

This gives a very comprehensive view of the event, while also delving into the life of the adoptive parents and biological families of the children. I love how information and analysis is seamlessly integrated into the book.

This book is a compelling exploration into the foster care system and the legal issues at play, as well as the racism and hidden biases and prejudices entrenched in the system.

I listened to the audiobook, which was wonderful, and very easy to follow.

emilymwhittle's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5 stars. A great journalistic piece wherein the author kept a fairly problematic story with clear villains fairly neutral. Child removal reformation needs to happen; it needs to be made the final resort. Biases within the system need to be exposed and education needs to be relevant and frequent.

I would encourage and invite anyone who works with youth - at-risk or otherwise - to read this book.

jmason19's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional informative sad tense medium-paced

5.0

shema's review against another edition

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4.0

This book talks about the Hart Family Murders but it goes more into the failings of the child welfare system. I also appreciated that we learned more about the birth families which I feel like a lot of the podcasts about the case failed to do.